FLYING THE FLAG: Supporters of the United Patriots Front march to Orange City Bowling Club on Saturday. Photo: PHIL BLATCH 0220pbupf4
A POLITICAL demonstration hosted after months of targeting a mosque in Orange has attracted just 40 people.
The United Patriots Front launched its party, Fortitude, with a gathering at Matthews Park on Saturday, followed by a march to Orange City Bowling Club.
The rally attracted a mix of people from Sydney, Melbourne and the Central West, including Orange, Gunnedah and Harden.
Despite expecting closer to 200 people, Fortitude secretary Tom Sewell said he was happy with the turnout.
“Our main focus is the federal election to see what areas we do get a reaction in,” he said.
The UPF had paid Orange’s mosque in Peisley Street a visit on Friday with the intention of returning on Saturday, but Mr Sewell said the group had not had time.
“We’ve got their contact details and they’ve got ours - we extended the olive branch,” he said.
“If we stop bombing you, you stay in your land and we stay in ours - good fences make good neighbours.”
HARDLINE CONCERNS: James Birch said his attendance at the rally was influenced by events like the Sydney Lindt Cafe siege. Photo: PHIL BLATCH 0220pbupf5
Other than immigration, Mr Sewell said Fortitude had its sights set on tax reform and veterans’ benefits.
Orange resident James Birch said his attendance at the rally was influenced by events like the Sydney Lindt Cafe siege.
Asked whether he was concerned similar events could occur closer to home, he said his concerns lay with what could be taught as part of Islamic doctrine.
“I’m not against Muslims and there’s quite a lot of Muslims that integrate and respect Australia, but there’s also the hardliners that don’t respect anything other than what they believe,” he said.
With police and riot squad officers in attendance, the march proceeded without incident, although Dominic Walsh and Tara Searle attended to protest the rally, calling the movement “ludicrous”.
“They want to raise fear and get people onside and then mould society the way they want,” Mr Walsh said.
Fortitude is not currently registered with the Australian Electoral Commission.
danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au